chip shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal/Sports (Golf, Football/Soccer); Technical within these contexts.
Quick answer
What does “chip shot” mean?
A short, low golf stroke played from near the green, intended to loft the ball onto the putting surface with minimal roll.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, low golf stroke played from near the green, intended to loft the ball onto the putting surface with minimal roll.
In sports like soccer or rugby, a delicate, short-range kick made over an opponent by lifting the ball with backspin. In informal contexts, can refer to any short, precise action taken to achieve a goal from close range.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In football/soccer, the term is used identically. In golf, 'chip' is standard in both, though minor regional coaching terminology may exist. The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in golf; implies skill and finesse. In football, it can connote cleverness and technical ability.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English due to the prominence of football/soccer; common in US English in golf contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chip shot” in a Sentence
[Player] chips/chipped the ball [over the defender/onto the green]The [golfer/striker] played a chip shot.He won the match with a deft chip shot.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chip shot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He cleverly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
- You need to chip it, not blast it, from there.
American English
- She chipped onto the green from the rough.
- The player chipped the ball in for an eagle.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- His chip-shot technique is impeccable.
- It was a chip-shot finish from six yards.
American English
- He used a chip-shot swing from the fringe.
- That was a chip-shot goal, not a powerful drive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in sports science literature.
Everyday
In discussions about golf or football matches.
Technical
Core term in golf coaching and football commentary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chip shot”
- Using 'chip shot' to describe a long-range effort (incorrect). Confusing 'chip' with 'pitch' in golf (a chip is lower).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A chip shot is a low-trajectory shot with more roll, typically played very close to the green. A pitch shot is a higher-trajectory shot with more air time and less roll, played from a greater distance.
Not standardly. In tennis, a similar action is called a 'lob' or a 'drop shot', depending on the intent. 'Chip' is sometimes used to describe a sliced return of serve, but not as 'chip shot'.
Yes, but the verb is typically just 'to chip'. E.g., 'He chipped the ball into the net'. 'To chip shot' is grammatically possible but less common and slightly redundant.
Only if they have an interest in golf or football (soccer). It is a low-frequency, domain-specific term for general learners but essential vocabulary for sports enthusiasts.
A short, low golf stroke played from near the green, intended to loft the ball onto the putting surface with minimal roll.
Chip shot is usually informal/sports (golf, football/soccer); technical within these contexts. in register.
Chip shot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪp ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪp ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chip and run (golf variant)”
- “Chip it in (to score directly from a chip shot)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of taking a 'chip' off a block of wood – a small, precise action. A chip shot is a small, precise stroke in sport.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A SMALL CUT; A SHORT ACTION IS A FRAGMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these situations would the term 'chip shot' be LEAST appropriate?